Description
A rich and flavorful Spanish sardine dish, featuring tender sardines simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce infused with garlic, paprika, and fresh herbs. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a comforting Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 fresh or canned sardines
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water or fish broth
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
-
Cook the Tomato Sauce:
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
-
Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour in water or fish broth and let simmer for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
-
Add the Sardines:
- Gently place sardines in the sauce and spoon some sauce over them.
- Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
-
Finish with Vinegar & Garnish:
- Stir in vinegar or lemon juice, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with crusty bread, rice, or roasted potatoes.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine while simmering the sauce.
- Substitute anchovies or mackerel if sardines are unavailable.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Spanish, Mediterranean
